[ananciguinter]

Looks like a great overview to give people an idea of what dog breeds to research.

[johnstylet]

I enjoyed reading about these different dog breeds.. Will there be anymore?

I'm not sure if there'll be another dog breeds one, although we're hoping to get articles up with in depth details about each breed. I am doing a cat breed overview at the moment though, hopefully it'll be ready to publish today

[feeshyLew]

I enjoyed reading about these different dog breeds.. Will there be anymore?

[VowJoyday]

Deciding to get a new dog is a big decision that requires a lot of research. One of the big questions is what breed should you get. This is an overview of just a few dog breeds and part one covers Border Collies, Boxers, Bullmastiff, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel and Dachshund. When you think that your new dog is likely to be with your family for over a decade, you see how important this could be!

Border Collie

Bred for:Herding, Farm workHeight:50 - 55cmWeight:15 - 20kgLifespan12 - 15 yearsExercise:Very high exercise and stimulationHealth:Very few health problems, but can include epilepsy, eye problems and hearing problems.The border collie is a very active and intelligent dog. It can be trained to very high levels and is excellent for herding work and agility training. Because of it's intelligence it does need massive amounts of stimulation or can become bored and stressed. They are very loyal and affectionate and enjoy working and learning. There are a lot of border collies in rescues due to owners not understanding how active and intelligent this breed is. Dog training and an active busy lifestyle with plenty of time are essential for living with this breed.

Boxer

Bred for:Hunting and guardingHeight:53 - 63cmWeight:25 - 32kgLifespan9 - 15 yearsExercise:High exercise and stimulationHealth:Need small meals at least twice a day due to having sensitive digestive systems. Susceptible to heart problems, eye problems and allergies.Boxers are an extremely playful and energetic breed with a strong will and sometimes a stubborn streak. Early training is important and can yield great results - they are intelligent and eager to learn. Boxers mature slowly and remain playful their entire life. They are loyal and affectionate, but can be over protective, which has made them great guard dogs in the past, but now means you should socialise them early as puppies with dogs and people to avoid any problems in that area. They can suffer from some congenital health problems, and do have sensitive digestive systems but buying from a reputable breeder can minimise this.

Bullmastiff

Bred for:GamekeepingHeight:61 - 69cmWeight:45 - 60kgLifespan9 - 10 yearsExercise:Medium, regular exerciseHealth:Prone to hip displaysia, tumours, cancer, eyelid problems, retinal atrophy, heart problems and kidney disorders.This is a large powerfully built dog that will need training from a young age to ensure they do not become unhandleable and will need a strong handler even if well trained. They are prone to quite a large number of health problems that you should look into in advance, and make sure if getting dog insurance that your insurance company will cover them. Some can be tested for in the parents so you should ensure that you buy from reputable breeders who have done all available health tests. They can also be prone to allergies and developing cancer and tumour, can drool and do not do well in high heat and humidity. The bullmastiff, despite being a large breed can be quite lazy (although some are active and energetic), their exercise needs are for regular daily walks to keep them fit and healthy. You need to take care with puppies not to over exercise them, as this can lead to joint problems later on. They are generally docile and fearless and have strong protective instincts. It is definitely not a dog you want to take on without full research but can be a very rewarding member of the family.

Chihuahua

Bred for:Companion dogHeight:15 - 23cmWeight:1 - 3kgLifespan15+ yearsExercise:Regular daily exerciseHealth:Birthing problems, eye problems, bone problems.The chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world - but still has a lot of energy and bags of personality but can be easily scared and prone to stress. There can be a lot of problems associated with breeding these dogs, and as adults they fracture their bones very easily so you need to be careful with them! Despite it's small size it is an intelligent and playful breed, still requires daily exercise and plenty of attention, as well as training! They can be prone to barking for attention but are well suited to a small apartment or house as long as the owner understands the need for regular exercise and attention.

Cocker Spaniel

Bred for:Retrieving gameHeight:38 - 41cmWeight:13 - 14kgLifespan12 - 14 yearsExercise:HighHealth:Eart infections and obesityThe cocker spaniel is a highly energetic, playful dog with a stubborn streak. They need high amounts of exercise and training. They are intelligent and mischievious and will definitely keep you busy! They also have a hunting instinct and may chase small animals or cats so need good heel training. As long as you can be patient and determined, this is a great family dog.
Dachshund

Bred for:Hunting burrows.Height:35 - 45cmWeight:9kgLifespan12 - 15 yearsExerciseaily walksHealth:Spinal problems, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsyThe Dachshund is an energetic dog with high stamina despite its small size. They are smart dogs that take well to training and make good family pets. However, they are prone to a variety of health problems including spinal problems, and it's important not to encourage them to jump too much, so they are generally unsuitable for agility. Research well and buy from a reputable breeder to minimise the health problems.

[VowJoyday]

Jack Russell Terrier

Bred for:Fox HuntingHeight:33 - 36cmWeight:5 - 6.5kgLifespan10 - 15 yearsExercise:MediumHealth:Eye problems.This small active dog is a robust, healthy working dog that enjoys an active lifestyle. They are friendly and intelligent and fit into families well, but have been known to be quite feisty with other dogs - including much larger dogs! They may also be inclined to chase other animals such as cats and squirrels, but are intelligent and can be trained. Because of their size, as long as they are walked well, they can fit into almost any size household and adapt well to being companions for families or the elderly and city / apartment living.

Labrador (Golden) Retriever

Bred for:Retrieving gameHeight:53 - 58cmWeight:25 - 34kgLifespan11 - 12 yearsExercise:HighHealth:No major health problems.Labradors are a famous family dog. They are energetic and playful, with a high need for exercise. They have an extremely large appetite - often to their detriment, as this breed is prone to hoovering up anything they can find and appearing starving even after a meal. This often leads to over-feeding and many of these breed are obese. Strong training is required and careful monitoring of diet, combined with exercise, to keep this breed in tip-top condition. They are famous for being a fun loving dog with an excellent nature, easy to train and eager to please making them the ideal breed for an active family.
Poodle

Bred for:Retrieving water fowlHeight:38 - 40cmWeight:20 - 32kgLifespan12 - 15 yearsExercise:MediumHealth:Epilepsy, eye problems.The poodle is an energetic playful breed that needs at least one walk a day but is usually not as demanding as other breeds exercise wise. They are intelligent and enjoy tricks and will respond well to training. They love to swim and were originally bred for their water-based prowess. These dogs are considered perfect breeds for people with allergies, as they do not moult, but will also need higher maintenance in grooming and most require professional clipping several times a year to keep the coat manageable.
Rottweiler

Bred for:Guarding and herdingHeight:53 - 69cmWeight:38 - 59kgLifespan10 - 12 yearsExercise:HighHealth:Hip displaysiaThe rottweiler is a powerful dog that has gained a reputation for being aggressive. It has a strong guarding instinct and is protective of the family. An untrained dog can become over-protective and potentially aggressive, so a strong, determined and experienced handler is necessary, as well as training and socialisation from a young age. This breed eats a large amount of food and has a lot of exercise. They can be very playful and enthusiastic and will need to burn off that energy so they do not become destructive. This is a breed that needs an experienced owner, a lot of research and the right family.
Yorkshire Terrier

Bred for:Hunting verminHeight:15 - 17.5cmWeight:3kgLifespan12 - 15 yearsExercise:MediumHealth:No major health problems.The Yorkshire terrier is a sturdy and robust toy breed with a lot of energy. It needs regular walks and plenty of attention as despite being a toy breed they were bred for work and have lots of enthusiasm. A low-maintenance companion dog for the family with no major health problems or downsides.

[VowJoyday]

Dalmation

Bred for:Herding and retrievingHeight:56 - 61cmWeight:25kgLifespan10 - 15 yearsExercise:HighHealth:10-12% of all dalmations are deaf. Skin allergies.The dalmation is an energetic dog with a lot of stamina that loves to run and play. Intelligent, they need mental stimulation and will suit an energetic outdoor person. They can run for many miles! Devoted to their family, they make a good guard dog and must be kept in control, so good training from a young age is a must. Unfortunately, around 10% of all dalmations are deaf so this is definitely something to take into consideration.

Dobermann

Bred for:Guard dog and police dog.Height:63 - 71cmWeight:30 - 40kgLifespan10 - 13 years.Exercise:HighHealth:Some congenital diseases.This is a large dog that eats a large amount of food and can be susceptible to bloat, so research diet thoroughly. They make excellent guard dogs and due to their nature need to be respected and trained well from a young age. A dog that is not exercised adequately, untrained and unsocialised could become aggressive or a problem. They are very protective of their family and are considered good with children but may be wary of strangers. They also have a reputation for not liking cats - but this can be adjusted with good training and socialisation from a young age. Whilst not the average dog, for a strong handler who understands the breed, they can be very rewarding.

German Shepherd

Bred for:Herding and protectingHeight:55 - 65cmWeight:34 - 43kgLifespan12 - 15 yearsExercise:HighHealth:Hip displaysia, heart problems and bone problems.German shepherds are an intelligent, active, versatile breed that although originally bred for herding has become well known for guarding and working with the policy and army. Obedience training is absolutely paramount for this dog as well as a confident and strong owner. If well trained, this is an excellent family dog. As a working dog they require exercise in all weather and have high levels of tolerance for weather conditions and stamina. Unfortunately due to their high intelligence, need for mental stimulation, exercise and training, there are a large number of German shepherds in rescue centers, so research this breed well before buying. If you are the type of family that suits this breed, you will be well rewarded with loyalty and affection.


Greyhound

Bred for:Hunting hound to chase and kill prey.Height:68 - 76cmWeight:27 - 32kgLifespan12 - 15 yearsExercise:LowHealth:Skin problems and allergies.Despite being the fastest breed of dog in the world, this dog has little stamina and has short bursts of energy. A 15-20 minute walk twice a day and a longer walk once or twice a week is usually ample. They are great jumpers and can jump up to 5 feet, so ensure you have a very secure garden. They are usually a calm dog and make an excellent family pet - but you need to be very careful if keeping one around small animals or cats - the instinct is potentially there to chase them. A dog well socialised and trained can overcome this, but they may still shoot off after squirrels or rabbits whilst walking. With a thin coat and little to no body fat, this dog is not suitable for outdoor life and ideally will live indoors. Due to the racing industry there are many greyhounds in rescues. Estimates in the UK alone are 8000 - 10000 abandoned greyhounds every year.


Husky

Bred for:Sled pulling and herdingHeight:53 - 56cmWeight:20 - 27kgLifespan12 - 15 yearsExercise:HighHealth:Eye ailmentsThe husky is an extremely strong, agile and intelligent breed with very high exercise needs. They have a strong prey instinct and care should be taken around small animals and cats. They like to dig and require a very secure garden. They can be quite hard to train so require a patient and determined owner.
The husky is also prone to over heating with their thick coat, and you should be very careful keeping this in a hot climate or monitoring them closely in hot weathers. They can withstand temperatures of up to -50C in their natural environment of Siberia! These are a beautiful dog but do not do well in the average family home - and require an owner who understands the breed and the requirements.